Airline flies to fame
Congratulations to Fiji’s national carrier, Fiji Airways, for being recognised as the best airline and having the best airline staff members in Australia and the Pacific. This is a feat, thanks to the staff members and management of Fiji Airways which has been ranked the 14th best airline in the world by global aviation survey giants, Skytrax. Hence, at the end of the prestigious awards, Fiji Airways flew home with trophies for the 2024 Best Airline and the Best Airline Staff in Australia and the Pacific. This is the second year in a row that the airline has walked away with the Best Airline in Australia and Pacific award. Being named the Best Airline in Australia and the Pacific for a second consecutive year speaks volumes of their commitment to delivering excellent customer service and their commitment to bringing the famous Fijian spirit and care. Hats off to the CEO and managing director Andre Viljoen and the team for investing significantly in Fiji Airways and for expanding into new markets. Congratulations Fiji Airways! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Security workshop
The FijiFirst administration’s tenure period reflected a lot of “workshops” regarding drugs, human trafficking, women abuse and child abuse, in my view, but “minimal” effective solution was practically experienced within communities. Will there be a “change” for the recent Maritime Security Committee three-day workshop? Whatever “strategy” to look at traditional and non-traditional threats in the maritime space, it can only be effectively secured if the “penalty” laws are made to “effective deterrence”, where applicable. Nothing changes unless the “thinking” to commit such a crime changes. That is, for perpetrators to think otherwise. For if we change nothing, nothing changes. SAMU SILATOLU Nakasi, Nausori
FCCC and food safety
FCCC stands for Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission. I suggest to the CEO to request his staff members to purchase $50 worth of groceries of the same brand/weight from three different supermarkets and compare the price differences. Here in Australia, CHOICE (Australian Consumer Organisation) did the same and found price difference of 25 per cent between Coles, Woolworths and Aldi. As for food safety standards, the CEO with health inspectors and all related city/town council inspectors need to visit supermarkets regularly. Requesting media organisations to name and shame will not be effective as media depends on advertising revenue from these supermarkets. RAKESH CHAND SHARMA Adelaide, Australia
Old Suva fire station
The “Point of Origin” article in FT 24/06 titled “A tale of bravery”, stated that the old Suva Fire Station in 1923, stood adjacent to Ratu Sukuna Park and not far from the current Mcdonald’s outlet. I beg to differ. The Mcdonald’s outlet was actually built right on the spot where the old fire station once proudly stood. There are framed pictures of the fire station hanging on the walls inside Mcdonald’s to prove it. EDWARD BLAKELOCK Pacific Harbour
Chinese domination
Reference is made to an article titled: “Electric vehicle and solar” by Meli Matanatoto in the print media dated 24/6/24 apparently defending the Chinese economic domination in the world. I beg to disagree with the narrative created by Meli for he seems to be blissfully unaware of the Chinese track record on the BRI (belt and road initiative). Examples are many but he needs to check out Pakistani and Sri Lankan records. It is devastating. Meli should know that China is a communist country and people work like machines with scant care for their health or wellbeing. Therefore, to push this narrative will border on irresponsibility to humanity. The manufacture of electric and solar cars is an excellent idea to battle pollution and climate-related issues. But it does not exonerate China from its cheap labour exploitation. Therefore, I request Meli to read Chinese history and find out the truth for himself. China is a super power with nuclear capabilities to gobble up small states. Therefore, let’s not kid yourself on the intention of the Chinese domination game. I have taught history for many years and am fully aware of Chinese geopolitics. DEWAN CHAND NamadiHeights, Suva
Climate action
While we read the all too familiar rhetoric from speakers, in particular the PM and the PIFS SG at the ongoing security conference being held at GPH on climate security threats in the Pacific, there was a story which did not attract the usual headlines but was reported by some outlets. This is in respect of the ongoing development at Nabouwalu jetty. Apparently, there is concern with the delay in the construction of a facility to meet the needs of arrivals, business and the community at large. The report relates to the apparent impact of coastal erosion because of sea level rise and waves on the proposed project which is allegedly only two metres away from the water. This is a real example of the lack of co-ordination, walking the talk and taking meaningful action by the powers that are responsible to deal with this threat which could render the facility untenable. When we hear of parliamentarians over $8million pay increase, millions spent by ministers and delegations attending climate change conferences around the world, millions received from development partners to support our climate change efforts, why is it so hard to plan and build a facility which is at the frontline of the visible impact that is happening right now. We have a climate change division under the Prime Minister’s Office, aren’t they in a position to use their theoretical knowledge into meaningful actions? This is just one of many examples how the government’s rhetorics and motherhood statements do not match with the reality of what the expectations are on the ground. ALTAUF CHAND Minto, NSW, Australia
Sebastian Singh
For Sebastian Singh to move up from the welter weight division to the light heavy weight division is quite a big achievement. As you move up in weight you get hit with heavier punches. I wish him all the best. SUKHA SINGH Labasa
Communication breakdown
Upon reviewing the media statements from both the teacher union representatives and the Finance Minister, it is evident that no agreement or consensus has been reached to date, highlighting a clear miscommunication. It seems that their collaborative efforts are being reserved for more pressing matters, perhaps even something as critical as selecting the colour combination for their conference room. DINESH KUMAR Ba
Fashion show
Recently, at Fiji Fashion Week 24, talented models graced the platform shown live on TV. Knowing Fiji is renowned for its bula smile, any catwalk showcased with such would proudly differentiate the Fijian models from those of other nations. SARITA LAL Malolo St, Lautoka
Public works
Now I realised that the issue of reviving PWD is just like getting municipal elections done. I believe it’s just a political stunt. PITA SOROAQALI Rakiraki
Antonimarawa Taboia
Thank you Jake for the touching feature (FT 25/06) and HDG for living up to your name. Did Taboia receive compensation from his employer at the time or an ACCF payment for being injured on the job? Would he be entitled to a small monthly disability allowance from Social Welfare to help his parents with his care? Just asking because every little bit helps. DANIEL FATIAKI Suva
UN vote
In the recent UN vote on the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza, Fiji did not vote. By not voting, the Fiji Government is supporting Hamas, a terrorist organisation. Shame. RAJ KUMAR Vatuwaqa, Suva
Sinking ships
As one ship slowly sinks, another one follows down the sink. Will both be salvaged in time, or will they disappear before their time? Well! it will soon become very clear at the end of next week for sure. At least that’s the case for one of them which is now sinking on dry land! EDWARD BLAKELOCK Pacific Harbour
Bula Boys face Vanuatu
After ages, the Digicel Bula Boys recorded a winning spree in pool play, scored 15 goals and marched into the semi-final of the OFC Men’s Nations Cup as the pool winners. Fiji thrashed PNG 5-1 and Samoa 9-1 but could only score one goal against Tahiti via golden boy Roy Krishna’s penalty. The side left our shores to face Vanuatu at the VFF Freshwater Stadium tomorrow at 4pm. The Bula Boys stood out in pool play. I admired the team bonding, unity and discipline of our boys. Their fitness level was impressive and the football structure, which had been our nemesis, is slowly unfolding.
I commend the head coach Welshman Rob Sherman for nurturing the boys. The young players in the team have turned heads. My only concern is that we are missing goal scoring opportunities. This could be costly away from home, especially when Fiji is playing Vanuatu in front of a passionate and patriotic home crowd. Vanuatu beat the Solomon Islands 1-0 and lost to the All Whites 4-0.
Their match against New Caledonia was cancelled. Fiji can beat Vanuatu, but we must play our cards right and not fall into the opposition’s game plan. All the best boys! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
International Day of Yoga
In life, at one time we may realise we all need a mental and physical escape from stress. Perhaps you need time to rejuvenate your health. You might simply want to feel more limber. This June is considered as “yoga month” but 21st is the day that could be the day that jump-starts a healthy new habit. Yoga, derived from the Sanskrit language, the word “Yoga” refers to uniting (with someone) or joining. Ancient Indian sage Patañjali is thought to be the father of modern yoga because he is the person who codified all the aspects of yoga into a certain format and introduced yoga sutras. There are many forms of an asana is a posture – list goes on. There is stress in fields of:
- career development;
- within employment;
- peer pressure;
- social impact;
- mental development;
- household situations; and
- competitions
It is hard or impossible for people to remain mentally and physically fit and healthy. People are suffering from anxiety and depression. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports reveal that Corona Virus or other forms of diseases won’t spare the world for many years. In this situation, it is risky to go outside or visit other countries imposing some form of restrictions. Therefore, what can be done: answer is yoga. Even now, tourism and some resorts are including yoga as part of resort relaxation. Not only yoga but fitness health as a whole focuses upon telling people to stay motivated at home and adopt a healthy lifestyle by doing exercise and meditation. Student’s behaviour are getting out of hand as some students are also coping with stress of studies and peer pressure.
Exercise helps us to stay optimistic and yoga helps us to explore new ideas to spend time and earn money without going outside. Thus venue of this Yoga Day is our home. Let us appreciate the International Yoga Day and practise yoga. NEELZ SINGH Singapore